Risk Factors Associated with Falls in the Elderly Rehabilitation Client

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine risk factors associated with falls in an elderly rehabilitation client group. Method: The study involved retrospective analysis of incident reports/medical files over four years of 87 clients who had fallen in the aged care rehabilitation unit under study. A comparison group was chosen of 87 randomly selected clients who did not fall during their rehabilitation program. Factors involved were analysed using a logistic regression equation to develop a model of those at risk of falling. Results: The factors that were associated with falls in the elderly include confusion, primary diagnosis of stroke, lower limb amputation and sleep disturbances. Conclusion: The elderly client who was confused, had a primary diagnosis of stroke, a recent lower limb amputation or experienced sleep disturbances was at increased risk of falling while undergoing in‐patient rehabilitation.